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Review of Lucy Taylor and Siobhain O’Higgins
12th November 2007
The King’s School Ely Concert Series has presented a series of impressive concerts. The
recent concert given by Lucy Taylor (soprano) and Siobhain O’Higgins (piano) was
certainly no exception.
These charming attractive performers captured the very depths of expression intended by
a variety of composers. Enduring arrangements of familiar folk songs by Britten encircled
songs by Mozart and two major song cycles: “Sieben Fruehe Lieder” by Berg and “Ariettes
Oubliées” by Debussy
Singing naturally in several different language which were translated by the singer herself
there seemed to be no end to this singer’s capability. This capability was matched by an
unswerving empathy from the pianist.
In Berg’s song cycle these two formidable performers were in their element. With
phenomenal ease and poise Lucy savoured Berg’s tremendous breadth of expression, her
voice rising powerfully to great heights or restraining potent passion in long penetrating
notes that moved with pinpoint accuracy to widening intervals. Yet, with all this, the spirit
and evocativeness of the work was exquisitely captured and enhanced further with
absolutely clear diction.
The song cycle by Debussy featured more songs of the uncertainty and pain of love.
However, Debussy’s immersion in Impressionistic quality coloured the sentiments with
imaginative sensitivity expressing the poetry most effectively and meaningfully. This was
only possible because of the phenomenal technique, appreciation and understanding the
performers had for the works they presented.
The cheeky little encore was indeed well deserved. We should be hearing a lot more of
these talented musicians.
The King’s School next Concert Society event will be on Thursday 7th February 2008
featuring Richard Uttley (piano) 7.30 in the Recital Hall of the Hayward Theatre, Ely.
Contact: Debbie Tye at King’s Music School tel: (01353) 653931) email: boxoffice@kings-
ely.cambs.sch.uk.
Rosemary Westwell
Dr. R.J.Westwell (PhD, MA TESOL, MA Ed, B Mus, BA Hons)
12th November 2007
The King’s School Ely Concert Series has presented a series of impressive concerts. The
recent concert given by Lucy Taylor (soprano) and Siobhain O’Higgins (piano) was
certainly no exception.
These charming attractive performers captured the very depths of expression intended by
a variety of composers. Enduring arrangements of familiar folk songs by Britten encircled
songs by Mozart and two major song cycles: “Sieben Fruehe Lieder” by Berg and “Ariettes
Oubliées” by Debussy
Singing naturally in several different language which were translated by the singer herself
there seemed to be no end to this singer’s capability. This capability was matched by an
unswerving empathy from the pianist.
In Berg’s song cycle these two formidable performers were in their element. With
phenomenal ease and poise Lucy savoured Berg’s tremendous breadth of expression, her
voice rising powerfully to great heights or restraining potent passion in long penetrating
notes that moved with pinpoint accuracy to widening intervals. Yet, with all this, the spirit
and evocativeness of the work was exquisitely captured and enhanced further with
absolutely clear diction.
The song cycle by Debussy featured more songs of the uncertainty and pain of love.
However, Debussy’s immersion in Impressionistic quality coloured the sentiments with
imaginative sensitivity expressing the poetry most effectively and meaningfully. This was
only possible because of the phenomenal technique, appreciation and understanding the
performers had for the works they presented.
The cheeky little encore was indeed well deserved. We should be hearing a lot more of
these talented musicians.
The King’s School next Concert Society event will be on Thursday 7th February 2008
featuring Richard Uttley (piano) 7.30 in the Recital Hall of the Hayward Theatre, Ely.
Contact: Debbie Tye at King’s Music School tel: (01353) 653931) email: boxoffice@kings-
ely.cambs.sch.uk.
Rosemary Westwell
Dr. R.J.Westwell (PhD, MA TESOL, MA Ed, B Mus, BA Hons)